Production
TFI develops prototypes and samples according to specific customer requirements, develops test carpets, distributes standardized dirt dust and provides support in the construction of special machines and test equipment on customer request.
Further information can be found at:
Prototypes and samples
Small sample series up to one meter wide can be produced on the CMC tufting machine.
As part of research projects, the TFI has produced prototypes of basalt, copper and stainless steel tufts. These were used, for example, as heat exchangers (IGF 20540 N Textile heat exchanger).
Small samples for testing new yarns or slubs can be produced on the Mtuft single-needle sampling machine. The pitch and stitch density as well as the patterning technique can be varied almost at will.
During the tufting process, high temperatures occur at the needles and the needle bar due to friction. This leads to expansion of the bars and thus to a shift in the needle positions. To counteract this effect, the TFI has developed a needle bar made of composite fibers in cooperation with the industry. This is temperature-stable and thus ensures the position of the needles. The side effect of reducing the weight of a large moving component also leads to a reduction in noise, smoother running of the machine and less wear due to less force acting on coupling elements.
Standardized soiling dust
TFI has developed the standard dirt for assessing the soiling tendency of needle felt floor coverings in accordance with DIN EN 1269. This is produced and distributed by TFI. If you are interested, please contact support@tfi-aachen.de
Test carpet
In cooperation with industry partners, we develop test carpets at TFI according to your requirements. The entire manufacturing process, from tufting to coating, is carried out under one roof. We are currently working with industrial companies to develop a test carpet for vacuum cleaner testing that meets the requirements for soiling behavior.
Special machine construction
When tufting with non-elastic yarns, the yarn feed poses a particular challenge. In order to achieve a uniform tufting pattern, uniform yarn tension is required over the entire tufting cycle. This cannot be achieved with conventional feeding via one or two yarn feed rollers. This is why the so-called E-Jerker was developed at TFI. This can be mounted modularly in front of any tufting machine and, with two fixed and one movable collector board, which is controlled by a servo motor, ensures uniform yarn tension throughout the entire tufting cycle.
Test equipment construction
In cooperation with an industrial partner, TFI has developed the "TAST" (TFI alignment and setup tool for gauge parts) measuring device. This measuring device supports the machine operator in optimizing the loading of the gripper bar of his tufting machine. For this purpose, all individual parts are laser-measured and then optimized so that the production variants of the grippers can be compensated for in the best possible way.